Kayaking through Island Park

Ian (one of Chelsey's friends) had the great idea to go floating down the river in Island Park. The river is right near Yellowstone and it is just breathtaking. Usually you see quite a few moose, and enjoy swimming and splashing eachother as you float the 5 miles. Today was a little different as it rained in the morning and was pretty chilly (probably 65-70 degrees.) And, since the water comes straight out of the mountains, it was REALLY cold! So, luckily we either bought or  borrowed sweatshirts and headed out!

 Josh, James, Ian and Chels

We saw moose just about the time the boys got high centered in the canoe...Josh must have drawn the short stick and got out to push. It was funny when we were all debating on whether to get life jackets or not. The attendant says...."If you start to drown..just stand up...the river is between 1 and 7 feet deep." We all laughed, but she was right. I got tricked into turning right into a sandbar.....thanks to my lovely husband...that was a trick to get out of!

I wish I had captured this on video. Chelsey was cruising along and got high centered on a branch. Ian came to her rescue attempting to ram her kayak...only to knock his over and tumble in the frigid water....How he didn't freeze, I have no idea! Luckily the other boys paddled upstream and helped him back in...he shivered dry by the end.

TOES!

It really was a peaceful fun day. I love this last picture...I could live here :)